LONDON (Reuters) — Wimbledon champion Andy
Murray should be spared a horror draw at this year's tournament despite
his recent rankings slide, organizers said on Tuesday.

Murray, who became the first British man to win the men's singles
at the grasscourt grand slam for 77 years last July when he beat
Novak Djokovic in the final, has sunk to eighth in the ATP rankings
which at most tournaments determine seedings.

However, Wimbledon's seeding system, which takes into account past
performances on the grass surface, means it is unlikely Murray would
find himself outside the top four seeds even if his world ranking
does not improve.

Seedings at Wimbledon are generally based on ATP rankings but the
fact that Murray was unbeaten on grass last year and reached the
Wimbledon final in 2012 as well will count in his favor, according
to All England Club chairman Philip Brook.

"For Andy Murray, as the winner of Queen's last year and the winner
here last year, and a finalist here in 2012, there will be a
significant impact on him," he told a news conference.

Murray's ranking has slipped from a career-high two down to eight,
largely because of back surgery at the end of last year.